Russian swimmers permitted to compete under flag

Russian swimmers permitted to compete under flagImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Russian Evgeny Rylov won gold in both the men's 100m and 200m backstroke at the 2020 Olympics while competing as a neutral athleteByMike PeterBBC Sport journalistPublished7 minutes agoAthletes from Russia and Belarus will be able to compete in senior World Aquatics events under their countries' flags after the body lifted a ban on their participation.Competitors from the two countries have only been able to compete as neutrals since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, with Belarus a close ally of Russia.Swimming's global governing body has allowed junior athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags since December, following a recommendation at the International Olympic Committee summit for sports.The summit recommended sporting bodies consider readmitting youth competitors, and now World Aquatics has also updated the rules for senior athletes.World Aquatics president Husain Al Musallam said: "Over the last three years, World Aquatics and the AQIU (Aquatics Integrity Unit) have successfully helped ensure that conflict can be kept outside the sporting competition venues. "We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition."In a statement announcing the change, World Aquatics said: "Following a decision of the World Aquatics Bureau, and in consultation with the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the World Aquatics Athletes' Committee, the Guidelines for Athlete Participation in Aquatics Events During a Period of Political Conflict will no longer apply to senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality."Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their...